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TRN Starfish vs TRUTHEAR GATE: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the TRN Starfish vs TRUTHEAR GATE, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

TRUTHEAR GATE leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • TRN Starfish
  • TRUTHEAR GATE
HearWiki score
-
82
Sound
-
7.5
Value
-
8.5
Price (USD)
$35
$22

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

TRN Starfish (2025) against TRUTHEAR GATE (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • Starfish20251 yr newer
  • GATE2024

Specifications

StarfishGATE
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$35
$22
HearWiki score
Not scored
82
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
1DD
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD
-
Driver size
12 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
10 Hz - 45 kHz
Impedance
-
28 Ω
Sensitivity
-
122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
122
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
3.7 g
2.7 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
2-pin 0.78 mm
Microphones
-
1

What reviewers said

TRN Starfish

This budget-friendly wired earphone uses a single 12 mm dynamic driver with a beryllium-coated diaphragm to deliver a lively, engaging sound. Its lightweight, starfish-inspired shell and detachable 0.78 mm two-pin cable make it a practical and customizable option for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Energetic and immersive sound signature
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Detachable cable for easy upgrades
  • Con:No noise isolation features
  • Con:Single-driver setup may lack extreme detail
  • Con:Build quality may feel basic at this price

TRUTHEAR GATE

The Truthear GATE is a wired ultra-budget IEM that punches well above its price class, offering a mature, balanced sound signature with solid sub-bass presence and clear detail. While its build is simple and ergonomics could be improved, its overall tuning and value make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious listeners who want a dependable daily driver. Minor tonal quirks like a slightly forward upper midrange and a touch of treble roughness are the only real trade-offs at this price point.

  • Pro:Outstanding value for the price
  • Pro:Mature and well-balanced tuning
  • Pro:Good sub-bass extension and clarity
  • Con:Slightly shouty upper mids and lean lower-mids
  • Con:Treble can sound a bit rough or lacking in refinement
  • Con:Ergonomics and stock fit could be better

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

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New comparisonTRN StarfishTRUTHEAR GATE